Author: Felipe

Python, “bridge the gap between C and the shell.”

In 1989, Guido van Rossum began implementing a new project he called “Python,” referencing Monty Python’s Flying Circus. In 1982 Guido van Rossum started working straight out of university at CWI (Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science) located in Amsterdam, as a programmer in the “ABC” group. After 4 or 5 years, Rossum moved to the CWI’s “Amoeba” group due to lack of obvious success in the ABC group. As he recalls being in a slight irreverent mood, Rossum wanted to create a high-level language in the Amoeba operating system. He felt dissatisfied with what was available at the time and felt a need for a language that would “bridge the gap between C and the (Bourne) shell.” This became Python’s main catchphrase for a time. Rossum describes the spark of Python with, “ABC gave me the key inspiration for Python, Amoeba the immediate motivation, and the multimedia group fostered its growth.” Python has become known for its accessibility, making it easy for users to program with Python as compared to other languages like Java and C++. It is considered a dynamic and flexible language, that allows for more productivity and less “de-bugging.” As the cons for Python goes, many developers say that Python can run slow and have restrictions due to its dynamically typed nature. Overall, Python has come a long way since its early beginnings in the early 90s, companies like Google and Instagram have been among the many users of Python.